A fire at a car part factory has killed 14 people and injured more than 59 others as more than 500 firefighters were called to tackle the raging blaze. South Korean fire services have worked relentlessly at the scene of the fire in the city of Daejeon, having recovered the remains of 14 people after the incident shortly after 1pm local time on Friday, March 20.

Local officials initially reported that 25 people were seriously injured in the fire, however that number has rapidly risen as they continue to work at the scene. Videos and photos from the fire at Anjun Industrial show thick grey smoke bellowing out from the factory and over the city.

Nam Deuk-woo, fire chief of the city’s Daedeok district, said that firefighters were originally not allowed into the building over concerns that it may collapse, with robots being used to enter instead.

In total, more than 120 pieces of equipment were used to bring the flames under control, including aircraft and an unmanned water cannon.

Nine of the dead were thought to have been in a gym at the site, while three more bodies were found near a water tank.

Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Many of those casualties received their injuries after jumping from the building, while others received treatment for smoke inhalation.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung sent his condolences to the families of the victims after visiting the site earlier today.